Iran Capital Becomes Ghost Town as Missile Strikes Continue, Death Toll Rises

Tehran residents describe their city as deserted following days of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds since Saturday. Despite hopes the bombardment would spark uprisings, no evidence of imminent protests has emerged as frightened civilians face widespread destruction and security checkpoints.

Frightened citizens in Iran’s capital say their city has become deserted following days of joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, with empty streets patrolled only by security forces and Revolutionary Guards manning numerous checkpoints.

The aerial assault has claimed hundreds of Iranian lives since it began Saturday, though Israeli and American officials had anticipated the strikes might spark internal uprisings. However, Reuters reporters found no indication of imminent rebellion during telephone interviews with residents across the nation.

“Checkpoints have been set up on every street and alley,” explained Fariba Gerami, a 27-year-old employee at a north Tehran business whose husband operates a small coffee shop.

Power outages and water service disruptions since the bombing campaign started have heightened her concerns, and she and her friends now worry about potential burglaries during nighttime hours, Gerami noted.

Her family intends to flee Iran once travel becomes safer, though they remain concerned about security conditions on departure routes, she mentioned.

Two Iranian men who crossed into Turkey on Tuesday corroborated her description, painting a picture of widespread tension and panic in the capital.

“Children were screaming and crying,” one man said, declining to provide his identity. He noted that strikes on civilian infrastructure have intensified residents’ fears.

The second individual described extensive damage throughout the city. “We witnessed numerous destroyed buildings, particularly while departing the country. Many structures, vehicles and roadways suffered destruction. Citizens are desperately trying to leave. They’re unsure what actions to take,” he stated.

Those remaining in the capital experience overwhelming anxiety, especially after Monday’s strikes near a Tehran medical facility that sustained damage and required evacuation.

Fears of additional civilian casualties grew following the bombing of a girls’ school in southern Iran during the conflict’s initial hours, with officials reporting 150 fatalities. Reuters could not independently confirm this death count.

During Tuesday’s funeral service for the schoolgirls, small flag-draped coffins were passed from trucks over crowds of mourners toward burial sites, as shown on state television footage.

“World, can you see this? They’re murdering us. Listen to our voices,” pleaded Firuzeh Seraj through tears from Tehran.

“My 10-year-old daughter requires dialysis treatment and now we’re trapped. I’m terrified to bring her to the hospital. What if they attack it? Why are you bombing us?” she asked.

Iranian authorities report the attack death toll has reached 787, according to Red Crescent figures.

Iran has retaliated against the U.S.-Israeli offensive with extensive drone and missile attacks throughout the region, targeting both military installations and civilian areas in Israel, Jordan and Gulf nations.

Frustration over the unfolding disaster has also been directed toward Iran’s own leadership.

News of Khamenei’s death Saturday triggered spontaneous celebrations in some Tehran neighborhoods, while Islamic Republic supporters organized memorial gatherings.

Nevertheless, the major nationwide demonstrations that shook Iran in early January have not resumed, after being suppressed through state violence that killed thousands.

A retired military officer in northern Iran, identifying himself only as Hassan, criticized the deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose nuclear policies created tensions with Western nations before his death Saturday.

“Khamenei has died but the results of his years of obstinacy continue killing Iranian citizens,” he said.

“Why maintain such antagonism toward the world? What benefits have we received from this nuclear program besides bombardment, isolation and suffering? Why must we live under bombs?” he questioned.

In Urmia, near the Turkish and Iraqi borders, a woman requesting identification only as Shahla described the previous evening’s bombardment as the most intense yet.

“I was petrified. No shelters exist. No assistance available. They’re bombing all locations. Internet service is intermittent. We’re hoarding food supplies,” she explained.

Like other Iranians contacted by Reuters, she confirmed food and medical supplies remained available in stores, but expressed concern about potential shortages as people stockpile goods anticipating extended conflict.

An elderly woman in Bushehr, the Gulf coastal city housing Iran’s sole nuclear power facility, expressed fear she might never reunite with her overseas children.

“My children telephone me but internet service barely functions. I’m frightened, extremely frightened, that I may never see them again and could perish in these bombings,” said the 80-year-old, who provided only her first name, Fatemeh.